England player ratings vs Italy: Jude Bellingham the only bright spot as Kyle Walker caught out
England were relegated from Nations League Group A3 on Friday evening after losing 1-0 away in Italy.
Giacomo Raspadori scored a brilliant goal to condemn Gareth Southgate’s side to their fifth game without a win, on an evening where England struggled for firepower.
Here’s how Gareth Southgate’s side rated at the San Siro...
Nick Pope 6
Hardly worked and no chance with goal but clearly lacks the ability on the ball of Jordan Pickford or Aaron Ramsdale. Long passing, in particular, was hopeful rather than targeted.
Kyle Walker 4
Bizarre inability to trap the ball first-time for much of the first-half slowed England’s play from the back. Poor twice for goal, first in being caught under high ball and then slow out to Raspadori.
Eric Dier 6
Looked calm and assured at heart of back-three on first England appearance in the best part of two years. Didn’t connect with decent headed chance but made crucial clearance in own box to deny Acerbi.
Harry Maguire 6
Given a huge vote of confidence by Gareth Southgate this week and made a shaky start but recovered to do okay, particularly given he was often left exposed by Saka’s forward forays.
Reece James 5
A poor night for the Chelsea man, whose delivery and set-pieces were not up to usual standard. Looks the man in possession at right-wing-back but England are famously not short on options.
Declan Rice 7
Snuffed out danger with several vital first-half interceptions. Has more defensive responsibility partnered by Bellingham than Kalvin Phillips but has the ability and athleticism to shoulder it.
Jude Bellingham 7
England’s best player, which will come as a surprise to no one. Brings much needed positivity and dynamism.
Bukayo Saka 5
Worth experimenting with at left-wing-back given Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell issues but looked like a man who has not played the position - or even on that flank - for some time.
Phil Foden 6
Some bright passages and England’s best moments in drab first-half came when he linked with Bellingham. Unlocking his creativity remains key as Three Lions’ run without a goal from open play extended way beyond 400 minutes.
Harry Kane 6
Decision-making off on occasions when England’s front-three broke free but some fine touches dropping in to midfield. Caught a nasty one in the chops, then went closest to leveller when hammering at Donnarumma from tight angle.
Raheem Sterling 5
Careless in possession at times when facing own goal, which put England under pressure. Still dangerous on rare occasions able to run at backline.
Substitutes
Luke Shaw (Walker 72’)
Brought on as a natural left-back as England switched to back-four after Italy opener.
Jack Grealish (Saka 72’)
Spoke this week ofknowing the impact he can have as super-sub and sent on to provide it again. Spent most of his cameo on the floor though, after being targeted by Italian challenges.
Unused: Ramsdale, Henderson, Trippier, Tomori, Coady, Alexander-Arnold, Ward-Prowse, Mount, Bowen, Abraham
